IDF Saving Syrian Lives

An inside look into the Israeli field hospital that is saving Syrian lives.

Regardless of the tense relations between Israel and Syria, who are still officially at war, IDF soldiers have continued to apply a core Jewish value: “Whoever saves one life, saves the entire world.”

On February 16, 2013, seven wounded civilians from Syria approached Israel’s border in urgent need of help. Colonel Tariff Bader, a Druze officer, heads an Israeli field hospital near the border. He began his IDF service in 1993, and after completing his medical studies, rose the IDF’s ranks to become a senior medical officer in the IDF’s Northern Command.

“They arrived on Shabbat and were treated by the same people who treat IDF soldiers in the Golan Heights,” Col. Bader explained. “The ethical code of the IDF Medical Corps clearly states that soldiers must assist anyone who is sick or wounded – whether they are associated with the enemy or not.” The incident on the border began the IDF’s extraordinary mission to assist Syrian civilians in need.

The victims of the civil war in Syria

Recently, the Israeli-Syrian border has become a focal point of tension due to the ongoing Syrian rebellion against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The main victims of this internal conflict are Syrian civilians. According to the United Nations, at least 100,000 Syrians have been killed in the fighting over the past three years.

“When we realized we would be receiving many patients, we decided to build a field hospital so that we could treat people with serious injuries who require immediate care,” Col. Bader said, explaining that the victims were so badly injured that they would not have survived the trip to a civilian hospital.

“There has not been a single case in which an injured Syrian was denied medical treatment by the IDF or by a civilian hospital,” said Col. Bader. “I’m sure of that.”

A daily challenge to save lives

The Israeli hospital facility, which continues to operate today, includes surgery, orthopedics and radiology divisions. On a regular basis, nurses and orderlies lend a hand to IDF doctors at the border. Cases that call for serious operations require cooperation between the IDF Medical Corps and Israeli civilian medical services.

The field hospital is located very close to the border, making it a potential target for Syrians looking to exploit the conflict to attack Israel.

In the past, mortar fire from Syria has wounded IDF soldiers in Israel. Despite the dangers of their work, soldiers risk their lives to treat Syrian victims. In many cases, medical forces must treat Syrian patients without any knowledge of their medical histories or health conditions. Despite the absence of cooperation between Israeli and Syrian medical services, some patients arrive with notes from Syrian doctors describing recommended care. These notes, written in Arabic or English, have become the only form of communication between doctors from the two countries.

While discussing the relationship between Israeli soldiers and Syrian victims, Col. Bader explained that their connection is quickly strengthening. “The Syrian people trust us now,” he said. “During the first month or so, they were a little hesitant to come to Israel. Today that is no longer the case.”

Once the patients return to Syria, any evidence of their presence in Israel can put their lives in grave danger. In order to keep the civilians safe, the IDF takes painstaking measures to remove any indication that they received care in Israel.

Committed to humanitarian aid

Soldiers who serve in the hospital are deeply committed to their humanitarian work. As an expression of respect for the hospital, people all over the world have sent gifts to members of the medical team. Soldiers have received everything from clothing, gift cards and radios from people abroad, who have also sent gifts intended for Syrian patients.

A large number of the patients suffer extreme trauma as a result of the conflict. After seeing death and destruction all around them, they carry difficult memories that are just as painful as their physical wounds. To ease the psychological trauma of children, clowns visit the hospital on a regular basis, giving the young patients a chance to smile and laugh.

“I myself am a father,” Col. Bader said. “The injuries of children leave the greatest impact on me. I remember a girl whose femur was completely shattered. Had our forces not been there to help her, she would have died or been disabled for the rest of her life. I am honored to do this work, both as a physician and a citizen of Israel. Some patients who arrived unconscious were shocked to find themselves in Israel when they woke up. Fortunately, other Syrians in the hospital helped us calm them down.”

This is not Col. Bader’s first time representing a major humanitarian effort as an IDF soldier. He was also a part of the IDF delegation to Haiti in 2010. Whenever he speaks publicly, he is clearly moved by his experiences. “I feel exactly the same about the lives we save on our own border,” he concluded. “It fills me with pride to accomplish this mission.”

About the Author

Visitor Comments: 10

(6)
Ester,
October 31, 2014 1:04 AM

So Moving

So humbled to read and know that Israelis Medics are really caring for all people giving them chance in life to survive.So humbled to read what you do. I pray God will protect you from all fiery darts of th eenemy as you risk your lives to be a comfort even to our enemies. My heart swell with admiration and love for you all.Blessings.Ester

(5)
KENTLOIS,
February 3, 2014 4:20 PM

KOL- HAKOVOD! BH!

THAT IS THE TORAH WAY! THAT IS THE JEWISH WAY! THAT IS THE WAY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL!

I ONLY PRAY THAT THE RADIO AND TELEVISION STATONS WOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO SHOW THIS! THE TIME HAS COME!BE AMENSH!

(4)
moris,
February 3, 2014 4:28 AM

don't do it

I for one will no longer give money to any Israeli hospital that treats arabs. Arabs have a history of taking medical or other aid from Israel and turning around to harm Israel. There are Jews that could use the medical expertise, drugs and care that is being WASTED. There are hospitals and other charities that will put my donations to better use.

raymond dreyfuss,
May 22, 2014 11:34 PM

dissagree

My feelings, are that Jews in Israel should be helped.But this help is also good for World reconition of Israel, and try to make Arabs understand that we are friends to all, and mayby they will quit drinking the cool aiide, and understand that That they were fed the wrong propaganda !

(3)
Beverly Kurtin,
February 2, 2014 3:50 PM

I'm happy

I'm very happy that Israel is once again proving that we care about other human beings. The work the doctors, nurses, orderlies, and all of the other people who are assisting Syrians is once again proof that we're not just for ourselves.My cardiologist is from Syria; he graduated from a medical school in Damascus. He's the first and only cardiologist that treats his patients as people instead of "the right main artery" in room 345. He treats each of his patients as people. Most of the Syrians I've met here in the United States have been kind people who just want what we all want, a chance to be free and to live a peaceful life.I am so opposed to the current Secretary of State that I can't stand it. He is managing to prevent the U.S. from getting involved in war, although the Republicans in Congress want to go to war. They want war because it is good for the defense industry and I would wager that each and every one of the hawks owns multiple hundreds of shares in those industries.His idea of peace with the Arabs is to give them all they want and to cut Israel's throat. No thanks. What a shame; those peace talks, will once again collapse because of one reason and one reason only:: THE PALESTINIAN GOVERNMENT has done what the Nazis did--brought up children from birth to hate Israel and Jews. Even the TV shows that kids watch shove hate into their little heads.Nu? Where's messiah?

Lance Lyons,
February 2, 2014 6:02 PM

" Where's Messiah ? "

You have asked the key question !

You're a brave person because most people: don't want to acknowledge that only The Divine Messiah will bring peace; they want to cling to their material possessions and comforts; and, worst of all, they assume that governments can negotiate peace;

Let us pray daily for Messiah to come and take over ! L

Anonymous,
February 2, 2014 9:48 PM

Question: Are Syrians you know Muslim or Christian?

Beverly, I agree with what you say in your note. Just out of curiosity, I'd like to know if your cardiologist and others Syrians you know here in the U.S. are Christian or Muslim. I think the distinction is important to fully understand the feelings of Syrians in the U.S.

(2)
Anonymous,
February 2, 2014 3:38 PM

whosoever saves a life of one man...

in the Gemara (Bavli) is written who saves the life of a Jew, saves a world (and NOT the world)

However in the Talmud Yerushalmi is written whosoever saves the life of a man, saves a world

(1)
Anonymous,
February 2, 2014 12:43 PM

Sad.

I feel almost too sad to write a comment, for the state of human affairs in Syria.
But, even this too, repairs the world, one patient at a time.
In the heart of each Syrian person saved, they will never be able to look at jews, Israel, people, or the world, again in the same way.
A little healing of the soul occurs too. Tikkun olam.

Melissa,
February 2, 2014 5:55 PM

Thank you, Sad

... for your important reference to a "little healing of the soul" ... which is a little healing for the world, which is a Tikkun olam par excelllence.

Thank you, aish. for printing this information. Many people do not unerstand that supporting the IDF includes a 'doctors w/out borders' medical team.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

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